Selling your home can be a pivotal moment in your life, often filled with anticipation and a fair share of anxiety. One key aspect of the selling process is the home inspection. This step can significantly influence the final sale price and the overall success of your transaction. Understanding the nuances of a home inspection and preparing your home accordingly can make a substantial difference. This article will guide you through this critical phase, ensuring you’re well-equipped to maximize your home’s value and appeal to potential buyers.
Understanding Home Inspections
A home inspection, as outlined by HomeLight, is a thorough, impartial evaluation conducted by a professional to assess various aspects of your property. This includes examining water damage, pest infestations, roof condition, electrical and plumbing systems, and structural integrity. The primary goal is to ensure the safety and habitability of the home. According to the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI), their Standard of Practice is a blueprint that helps inspectors focus on crucial areas ranging from exterior components to plumbing, emphasizing health, safety, and significant mechanical issues.
Critical Factors In A Home Inspection:
Exterior Evaluation: Inspectors scrutinize the outer part of your home, including the roof, gutters, siding, and foundation, for any signs of damage or decay.
Electrical System Check: This is a critical area, as electrical problems can be expensive to repair and pose safety risks.
Plumbing Assessment: Ensuring adequate water flow and functioning drains are crucial to avoid future mishaps.
Interior Inspection: This covers the kitchen, bathroom, and HVAC system, among other areas, to ensure all components are in good working condition.
Preparing For The Inspection
Orchard Blog highlights the importance of proactive preparation for your home inspection. Addressing issues beforehand not only saves money but also expedites the selling process. Creating a checklist and systematically going through each item can be immensely beneficial.
Essential Pre-Inspection Tips:
External and Internal Inspection: Check for any visible damages or malfunctions in your home’s exterior and interior, including walls, floors, ceilings, and appliances.
HVAC System: Ensure your HVAC system is free of rust odors and that air filters are replaced.
Water Damage Prevention: Vigilance in detecting signs of water damage under sinks and around appliances is vital.
Declutter: Providing easy access to all areas of your home is essential for a thorough inspection.
Timing And Legal Considerations
Choosing the best time of year to sell your house can influence the success of your sale. Market trends often dictate the optimal selling period, with some seasons attracting more buyers than others. Additionally, understanding and preparing the necessary legal documents, such as a listing agreement, is crucial. This agreement between you and your real estate agent outlines the terms of your home’s sale, including the agent’s responsibilities and commission.
The Day Of Inspection
The inspection day is your opportunity to showcase your home in the best light. Ensuring the house is empty, providing all necessary documentation, and leaving keys to access various parts of the house are best practices that facilitate a smooth inspection process.
Inspection Day Best Practices:
Home Accessibility: Clear out personal belongings from critical areas for easy inspection.
Document Preparation: Organize and present all relevant home documents for the inspector.
Final Touches: Do a last-minute check to ensure everything is in order.
A home inspection is a critical step in the home selling process, offering a chance to address potential issues and improve your home’s marketability. By understanding what inspectors look for, preparing your home thoroughly, considering the best timing, and following best practices on the inspection day, you can significantly enhance your home’s appeal to potential buyers. Remember, a well-prepared home attracts more buyers and commands a better price, ultimately maximizing your home sale.
Barsha Bhattacharya is a senior content writing executive. As a marketing enthusiast and professional for the past 4 years, writing is new to Barsha. And she is loving every bit of it. Her niches are marketing, lifestyle, wellness, travel and entertainment. Apart from writing, Barsha loves to travel, binge-watch, research conspiracy theories, Instagram and overthink.
Estate planning is a vital process of wealth management that ensures your assets are distributed according to your wishes after your passing. It is a process that involves careful consideration, documentation, and, often, professional guidance.
While everyone’s estate planning needs are unique, there are common mistakes that can derail even the most well-intentioned efforts. To ensure you have a seamless process, our wealth management advisors at Whittier Trust have compiled a list of five common mistakes to avoid in estate planning.
Why Real Estate Planning Is Important?
Gone are the days when real estate planning was just a source of high net worth. Nowadays, everyone from a middle-class family to a luxurious background must come with efficient estate planning. It is true that there are various sources to invest your money. But the importance of property planning is truly unparalleled.
Estate strategizing is all about keeping your loved ones protected, at least from the IRS. Under the Internal Revenue Service, it is integral to transfer your assets to heirs with the aim of creating the least possible tax burden on them. The right estate plan also saves families from falling apart. Just like a will, estate planning helps you choose your assets and finances in the right way possible. Finally, it can be said that estate planning safeguards beneficiaries. If you are the sole breadwinner of the family, there is nothing to worry about, even if something happens to you. But for that, you will first have to curate a properly structured and evenly distributed estate plan.
What 5 Mistakes Must Be Avoided In Estate Planning?
It is good that you have come up with an exclusive strategy. But is that all to make things work? After all, you are risking your entire life’s savings in this endeavor. So, here I am listing down 5 mistakes that one must be devoid of at the time of estate planning:
1. Procrastination:
One of the most common estate planning mistakes is simply procrastinating. It is easy to put off creating a comprehensive estate plan, especially when you are focused on the present. Life can bring unexpected twists, and a thoughtfully crafted estate plan can offer you and your loved ones a comforting sense of security.
It is never too early to start estate planning, so regardless of age, taking action now ensures that your assets are protected, and your intentions are clear. A well-structured estate plan can alleviate the cloud of uncertainty about the future of your assets and the well-being of your loved ones.
2. Neglecting Regular Updates:
Estate planning is not a one-and-done process. Life is constantly changing, and your estate plan should reflect those changes. Failing to update your plan can lead to unintended consequences.
Major life events such as marriage, divorce, the birth of children, the acquisition of new assets, or changes in financial circumstances all warrant a review and, if necessary, an update to your estate plan. Without consistent evaluation, your assets may not be distributed as you intended. You update things like your phone, car, and closet without hesitation. Why neglect something as valuable to you and your family as your estate?
3. Inadequate Consideration of Taxes:
Failing to incorporate tax sensitivity into all areas of your wealth management strategy will inevitably diminish the impact of your estate and the eventual assets available for your intended beneficiaries.
Consulting with a knowledgeable wealth management advisor can help you navigate the complexities of tax planning and ensure that your estate is as tax-efficient as possible. It’s also important to consider what state you’re establishing trust in. For example, Nevada is one of the most trust-friendly states. It offers strong tax benefits, asset protection, trust longevity, and flexible decanting provisions.
4. Overlooking Beneficiary Designations:
Many assets, such as retirement accounts, life insurance policies, and bank accounts, allow you to designate beneficiaries. These designations supersede instructions in your trust. It is crucial to review and update these beneficiary designations regularly to ensure they align with your current intentions. Failing to do so can lead to unintended consequences, such as assets going to a former spouse or someone you no longer wish to benefit.
Oftentimes, emotions get roped into our decision-making processes, leading to impulse decisions or skewed perceptions. It is also important to think about the long-term effects of your beneficiary designations, considering every possible scenario. Having a third party like a wealth management firm help you with this process can prove to be extremely advantageous.
The third-party can either serve as your trustee or help advise the trustee to make objective decisions and look after the estate and family. In either scenario, a wealth management company helps create a neutral, mutually beneficial relationship in the estate planning process.
5. DIY Estate Planning:
Assembling a personalized wealth management team by handpicking lawyers, investment professionals, and other specialists may appear to offer a tailored approach to estate management. However, the effectiveness and cost-efficiency of this DIY approach are often outweighed by the advantages of partnering with a multifamily office.
While individual experts bring their own strengths, a multifamily office excels in curating a team personalized to your needs and capable of seamless collaboration, ensuring that your financial objectives are pursued with synergy and precision.
Multifamily offices are usually more cost-effective and time-saving as well, even providing family office services to help stay on top of the day-to-day expenses, documentation, and management for an estate. However, a good wealth management firm is also capable of working with outside experts, whether to account for a non-traditional area of need or comfort with a longtime and trusted source of counsel to prioritize your peace of mind.
Conclusion
Estate planning is a critical process that should not be overlooked or delayed. Avoiding common mistakes can help you create a robust estate plan that protects your assets and provides for your loved ones as you intend.
Trust services, like those provided at Whittier Trust, are committed to assisting individuals and families in developing comprehensive estate plans tailored to their specific needs and goals. You are not in this alone. The right wealth management advisors are ready to help you create and maintain an estate plan that is designed just for you.
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If you're considering moving to Westlake, Ohio, you might be wondering whether it's the right place for you. This suburban community located on the western edge of the Greater Cleveland area offers a high quality of life, top-rated schools, and a strong economy. However, there are some drawbacks to consider as well. In this article, we'll explore the pros and cons of moving to Westlake, the housing market, and various aspects of the community to help you make an informed decision.
Pros Of Living In Westlake, OH
Strong Economy And Job Market
Westlake has a robust economy with a diverse range of industries, including healthcare, manufacturing, and professional services. The area boasts a low unemployment rate and plenty of job opportunities for those seeking employment.
High Quality Of Life
Westlake residents enjoy a high quality of life, with access to beautiful parks, shopping centers, and a variety of recreational activities. The community is known for its friendly atmosphere and strong sense of community.
Top-Rated Schools
Westlake is home to some of the best schools in the state, with a strong focus on academic achievement and extracurricular activities. The school district consistently receives high ratings, making it an excellent place for families with children.
Recreational Opportunities
Westlake offers a wide range of recreational opportunities, from parks and nature trails to sports facilities and community events. Whether you prefer outdoor activities or organized sports, you'll find plenty to do in this suburban community.
Cons Of Living In Westlake, OH
Higher Cost Of Living
The cost of moving to Westlake is higher than the national average, primarily due to housing costs. If you're considering a move to the area, be prepared to budget accordingly.
Weather
Westlake experiences all four seasons, with cold, snowy winters and hot, humid summers. If you're not a fan of harsh weather, this might be a drawback for you.
Limited Public Transportation
While there are some public transportation options available in Westlake, the area is primarily car-dependent. You may find that having a personal vehicle is necessary for getting around.
Housing And Real Estate In Westlake
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Westlake offers a variety of options, from single-family homes to condos and townhouses. Home prices tend to be higher than the national average, but the appreciation rates are strong, making it a potentially sound investment.
Types Of Homes
Westlake has a diverse range of housing options, from charming historic homes to modern new builds. No matter your preferences, you're likely to find a home that suits your needs and tastes in this community.
Renting Vs. Buying
Deciding whether to rent or buy in Westlake depends on your financial situation and long-term plans. While renting offers flexibility and fewer responsibilities, buying a home can be a good investment due to the strong housing market.
Neighborhoods In Westlake
Westlake has several neighborhoods to choose from, each with its own unique character and amenities. Some popular neighborhoods include Hilliard Lakes, King James, and Westwood Estates. It's essential to research and visit different areas to find the one that best fits your needs and lifestyle.
Safety And Crime Rate In Westlake
Westlake is generally considered a safe community with a low crime rate compared to national averages. However, as with any area, it's essential to take precautions and stay informed about local crime trends.
Dining And Nightlife In Westlake
Westlake boasts a diverse dining scene, offering a range of cuisines, from casual eateries to upscale restaurants. The community also has a growing nightlife scene, with bars, breweries, and entertainment venues catering to various tastes and preferences.
Cultural Attractions And Events In Westlake
Westlake is home to several cultural attractions, including the Westlake Historical Society, art galleries, and local theater productions. The community also hosts various events throughout the year, such as the Westlake Music Festival and the Westlake Fall Festival.
Commuting And Transportation
Westlake is conveniently located close to major highways, making it easy to commute to nearby cities like Cleveland. However, public transportation options are limited, so having a personal vehicle is often necessary. The Cleveland Hopkins International Airport is also nearby for those who require air travel.
Healthcare Facilities In Westlake
Westlake has excellent healthcare facilities, including St. John Medical Center and various outpatient clinics. The community is also within easy reach of renowned hospitals in the Greater Cleveland area, such as the Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals.
Life In Westlake OH
Westlake, Ohio, offers a high quality of life, strong economy, and top-rated schools, making it an attractive option for those considering a move. While there are some drawbacks, such as the higher cost of living and limited public transportation, the benefits of living in this community may outweigh the negatives. Ultimately, the decision to move to Westlake will depend on your personal preferences and priorities. Another important part of moving to Westlake is the moving process. You need to find professional Westlake local movers as they will assist in every part of your process.
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"Is real estate investment trusts a good career path?" the answer to this question is absolute ‘Yes.’ This business is already attracting lots of beginner investors into the market because it consists of a high return on investment.
REITs are actually companies that own finance-producing real estate across various sectors, and investors get huge benefits from this. However, there are a number of requirements to qualify as real estate investment trusts (REITs).
The main purpose of this company is to help communities grow, revitalize, and thrive. This real estate investment trust is located in every state and is considered a crucial part of the United States economy. Now, discuss this in detail.
What Is A Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT)?
As already discussed above, a real estate investment trust or REIT is an investment property that funds income-generating real estate assets. This fund is managed by a firm of shareholders who invest funds in properties such as timberlands, hotels, shopping centers, hospitals, warehouses, apartment buildings, etc.
A REIT is similar to an exchange-traded fund (ETF) or mutual fund. A mutual fund aggregates a number of securities or stocks into a single group. Then, rather than purchasing individual fund shares, investors can purchase shares of a mutual fund.
In a similar way, investors can acquire shares or partial ownership in a real estate investment trust to reap the financial benefits of investing in multiple pieces of real estate or other securities simultaneously.
An advantage of real estate investment trusts is that they offer good investment returns to the investors. This factor is attracting many to invest in this asset. Now, what do you think, Is real estate investment trusts a good career path?
How Does A Company Qualify As A REIT?
There are some requirements for a company to qualify for real estate investment trusts, and these requirements are listed below:
You need to have at least a hundred shareholders.
Fifty percent of the shares should not be held by five or fewer individuals.
The company should be managed by trustees or a board of directors.
Be an entity that is taxable as a corporation.
The company must pay at least ninety percent of its taxable income as shareholder profits each year.
Obtain a minimum of 75% of its gross income from rents, mortgage, or sales of real estate
Lastly, invest at least 75% of its total assets in real estate.
How Can You Invest In Real Estate Investment Trusts? An investor or a company must buy stocks just like public stock. The investors may buy shares in an exchange-traded fund or REIT mutual fund. On the other hand, there are many jobs available in real estate investment trust, and these include asset management, property management, development, and much more.
Pros Of Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) - Is Real Estate Investment Trusts A Good Career Path?
There are some pros and cons of REITs that you need to consider before choosing a real estate investment as a career path.
Have a look at these below-described pros of real estate investment trusts:
i). Performance: This is proven to perform well due to the appreciation of commercial properties.
ii). Diversification: Investing in REIT is regarded as an investment portfolio where the securities and other stocks are down.
iii). Dividends: Provides a stable income stream for investors.
iv). Liquidity: You can easily buy and purchase shares in the market.
v). Transparency: This investment trust is traded on vital stock exchanges that operate under the same rules.
Cons Of Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) - Is Real Estate Investment Trusts A Good Career Path?
Now, let’s know the major cons related to real estate investment trusts, and these are described below:
i). Minimal Control: If you are investing in this firm, then be prepared because you cannot control operational decisions, such as plans and strategies.
ii). Management Fees: You may be charged with high transactions and administrative fees.
iii). Investment Risk: There are some factors that can affect your investment, and this includes tax laws, geography, debt, interest rates, and property valuation.
iv). High Tax Payment: The dividends can be taxed the same as normal income, and this is the drawback of REIT. Here, you may have some clarity to your question, “Is real estate investment trusts a good career path”.
V). Slow Growth: More than 90% of profits are given back to investors, and only ten percent are reinvented.
What Are The Different Types Of REITs?
There are actually five types of real estate investment trusts, and these are described below:
1. Mortgage REITs
There is only ten percent of REIT investments are in the mortgage, and this is regarded to be very less risky. For diversifying your portfolio, you must consider this investment for your firm.
2. Office REITs
The name of this investment trust itself signifies that these are investments in office buildings. Office real estate investment trusts get income from the rental income. However, there are some major factors, such as vacancy rates, employment rates, capital, etc., that you need to consider if you are interested in office rent.
3. Healthcare REITs
Healthcare REITs are an excellent choice as in the US; healthcare costs are rising rapidly. This type of trust includes nursing homes, retirement homes, medical centers, hospitals, etc. Hence, it is directly involved in the development of the healthcare system.
4. Residential REITs
Residential REITs include several kinds of rental properties like PGs, job holders, etc. However, before considering this know the economic growth, vacancy rate, job opportunities, and the population.
5. Retail REITs
It is estimated that around twenty-four percent of the total REITs are owned by retail. Therefore, investing in these real estate investment trusts can be the best decision that you can consider in 2024.
What Are The Best Paying Jobs In Real Estate Investment Trust?
Now that you know the answer to “Is real estate investment trusts a good career path,” it is time for you to know about something important!
Before you can figure out how many jobs are available in real estate investment trusts, you need to know which REIT jobs pay the best. Our research indicates that sales representatives, leasing agents, broker positions, fund managers, and a variety of other positions in real estate investment trusts (REITs) are the ones with the highest pay.
The advantages will increase more when you own your own land ventures. Presently, we should talk about the top divisions that get the most significant pay in the land venture trusts.
1. Asset Manager
The Asset Management department of REITs is in charge of monitoring the portfolio's financial and operational performance. They manage client assets in accordance with investment preferences and goals. Additionally, these managers create, manage, and organize client portfolios.
It is quite possibly the most lucrative work, with compensations going from $70,000 to $1,000,000. They must keep an eye on the business's financial and operational success. They are also in charge of marketing, finding investors, and checking the returns.
Asset management can be a lucrative career choice, particularly for students of investment banking, finance, and economics with strong performance. BlackRock was the largest asset management company in the world at the end of 2019, managing approximately 7043 trillion dollars in assets. Subsequently, this is actually a colossal sum!
2. Property Manager
You might be surprised to learn that there are currently approximately 15,000 property managers employed in the United States, and this number is increasing. A property manager's duties include communicating with customers and negotiating the best prices for the sale or rental of property.
They handle everything, from leasing to collections and property upkeep. The best part is that applicants need not meet any minimum requirements to apply for this position. This job pays anywhere from $55,000 to $65,000 per year, and one of the best things about it is how quickly it can grow.
3. Acquisitions
Because they have to find and evaluate potential acquisition targets, working for this job profile requires a lot of analysis. There are many job opportunities in this sector, and the good news is that it pays well—about $80,000 per year.
They must be adept at problem-solving and aware of new revenue-generating investment opportunities. This position is one of the best in the real estate investment trust industry.
Securing divisions gives paying positions in land speculation trusts. However, this is a real estate industry position with a lot of finance.
4. Investor Relations
All communication with REIT shareholders that faces the outside world is managed by this department of real estate investment management. A typical administration financial backer procures up to $150,000. This is huge, and it is regarded as the REIT's highest-paying job position.
This is your opportunity to work in the finance and accounting division. The best thing about it is that it pays well and has good potential for growth.
In addition, organizing and preparing for the annual meeting, which includes writing a proxy statement and an annual report for the business, is part of the job of investor relations.
Presently, to land this position, you will need a college degree with a foundation in money or bookkeeping.
5. Real Estate Investor
This is quite possibly the best work in the land venture trust industry in light of the fact that, notwithstanding the significant compensation, there are great possibilities of headway in this industry. Their primary function is to help people become financially independent by investing in real estate.
Before investing and trading, this job requires extensive market research, which takes time. It will be mentally and physically demanding because you will be required to carry out a variety of tasks, such as inspecting, maintaining, flipping, purchasing, and restoring the properties. They can increase the value of their investments as a result of all of this.
You really want a degree in bookkeeping, money, or business to turn into a genuine financial backer since you want to think of ways of improving ventures for you as well as your clients. A land financial backer procures somewhere in the range of $15,000 to $15,000 each year.
Bottom Line: Real Estate Investment Trusts Is A Good Career Path
You might have got the answer to your question, “Is real estate investment trusts a good career path”. Consider the pros, cons, and types of real estate investment trusts (REITs), and then you can decide whether it is good for your career path or not. However, according to the experts, REITs are considered a good career path!
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